Guide Ken with one of our 4x4 Land Cruisers
Spirit of Kenya
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $150 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
CA
Email Your Global Family | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
“flawless from beginning to end”
I start off by thanking Joao, the Customer Service Happiness Manager, who is the reason that I chose this company. From the time I started my safari research, to our safari, Joao and I exchanged hundreds if not thousands of emails with every single detail that concerned us. Joao made us feel 100% comfortable and never tried to push anything on us, which made us choose this company, and we are 100% happy with our decision. This company certainly has the human factor that we needed and attention to details.
I cannot recommend it started in Africa enough, our every day pick up was on time, our drivers in both Kenya and Tanzania were very punctual and courteous. Jackson is absolutely lovely and helped us every step along the way. Our whole trip was exactly as planned, an out of this world 7 day safari with our 5 year old. The drivers are quite knowledgeable and calm with a good level of English. The safari vehicle, though it looked a bit old or rugged (no wonder with the roads), did not let us down. I did about a year of research for this trip, and I found It Started in Africa to have competitive prices for their packages. Here are a few pointers which we discovered along the way that our driver did not seem to know much about, which is understandable as most people do not look for the same things. If you are planning to purchase a tanzanite, the further you are from Arusha, the better the prices will be. Also, if you are going to Zanzibar after, most crafts are cheaper there than anywhere on safari. If you do the Masai village visit, keep in mind that the prices for their crafts are about 10 times higher than anywhere else, but if you wish to help the community, purchasing from them is a great option. Overall, I give this company 5 plus stars, we had an unforgettable experience and we owe it all to a fantastically run company, It Started in Africa.
IN
Email Anant | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Very prompt replies to all my queries and very good arrangements for our safari from the word GO
Communication by email with Helder was excellent from day one - more than 60 emails wee exchanged. We were received well by Patricia at Nairobi airport even disregarding the delayed and late arrival of our flight. Wajee mara camp was ideal - tented rooms in a jungle. Alex, our guide-cum-driver was excellent in his knowledge of the animals and the birds. He seemed to know where the animals were and within a few hours we had spotted the Big Five. A pride of lions taking positions for a kill, cheetahs at close quarters, rhino, hippos, giraffes and beautiful birds were the highlights. Within a day and half of safari we had completed our list of animals we wanted to see and saw many more too. A great safari - our childhood dreams were made to come true. All our needs were fulfilled in the package even including drinking water during the safari. I would recommend this operator to all my friends
US
Email Ninfa Yap | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It is one of the most amazing experiences I've done in my life!
I contacted several safari tour companies, but It Started In Africa, exceeded my expectations. They were very quick in answering all my emails and patiently answered all my questions. Joao and Luis were the best! The price was also very reasonable considering the type of tour we had...private just for 2 people with mid range accommodations. They fed us well...so well that I gained all that weight I lost during my Kilimanjaro climb. Our tour guide, Nasari, was very knowledgeable. He really made an effort to see almost all the animals especially the big 5! Every night somebody from the company, Silvia, called us and checked on how our day went. The experience was great from beginning to end. I highly recommend this company. I'm hoping that the rest of my family and closest friends in the USA, will do this adventure one day with It Started In Aftica. They will never be sorry! Thank you! Asana Sante!
Email Toni, Paul, Wendy, Luciano and Mateo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A dreamlike experience - still can't believe how good it was!!!
The five day safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai village was magical and a lot of the time I thought I must be dreaming. Being in the Serengeti was like being in Jurassic Park with big animals like giraffes and elephants walking alongside us at a leisurely pace as we drove along. Some animals even shared the campsite with us, in particular, a group of giraffes and a cheeky lot of mongooses in the first campsite and a buffalo which went seeking food during the night in the second campsite. We did one night in Lake Manyara Tented Lodge and three nights in public campsites. This was a good combination I think.
Our guide and driver, Baraka, and the cook, Samuel, were marvellous, managing to always be cheery and informative and look after us even in driving rain. On Day 4 Baraka had to put up all the tents while getting completely soaked and Chef managed a three course meal under the most trying of circumstances the same night. At one point the front open hatch in the car roof blew off on the way back and poor Baraka had to stop and deal with that too. The fact that Baraka was Masai was a great asset for the trip too as he was able to stop and chat to passing Masai cattle herders and tell us a lot about them. His knowledge of animals and birds was extensive and he knew how to find animals in the most unlikely terrain especially lions and hippos. He went out of his way to find a good shop to find cheap shukas for us as well.
The safari was also great because we were able to see people and not just animals. It was incredible to see lone Masai herders in their colourful shukas wandering through the first part of the Serengeti. The trip to the Masai village, although set up for tourists, was still very informative and Baraka number 2 (the village chief) gave us a very good historical backdrop to Kenya and the Masai , in particular.
Jackson and Simon also did a great job in getting us to the Tanzanian/Kenyan border, across the border and then on to Tsavo East and the Sheldrick Elephant Trust with a mini safari in between. The road on the Kenyan side was very difficult to drive and Simon managed it expertly, even stopping to change a tyre halfway there.
Overall, a great trip... once in a lifetime ...neither my husband, our two teenage boys, my sister or I will ever forget this experience. Thank you very much It Started in Africa and thank you too Joao, Silvia and team for organising it so well. I was first convinced to go with It Started in Africa because Joao’s responses to emails were lightning fast and he accommodated our every need as soon as the question was asked. The whole price of the trip was also considerably more affordable than other companies we researched. We would definitely book with them again.
US
Email Caito & Devin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can't Say Enough Great Things!!!
Words cannot describe the amazing adventure we had on our 7-day safari! Everything from the immediate response to my first email inquiry to the sad farewell we had to bid our incredible guide, and the months of customized planning and friendly conversation in between, went far beyond our every expectation. The entire staff is top notch! We dreamed for years of a private safari for two but never imagined it could become a reality. We chose the camping to better fit within our budget and couldn't imagine doing it any other way. It was a fantastic experience and worth every dollar. Our guide Emma made each and every day extra special and we enjoyed his personality immensely! We were also blown away by the quality of food. Pascali kept good care of us and my vegetarian needs. I think I must have gained 5kg with all of that great cooking! Look no further than It Started in Africa! They take the time to listen to your needs and offer suggestions you may never think to consider or ask about. Every question is answered and nothing goes undone. You can simply relax and enjoy the trip of a lifetime knowing they have every detail covered. Once it starts in Africa, you will not want it to end. Guaranteed to be nothing short of the most wonderful experience all around, and one you will never forget. We can't thank them enough!
UA
Email Oleg | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Just excellent
I would like to say Thank You to It Started Africa for absolutely incredible NY safari they made for us. They do their job with excellence. They always ready to help you with any additional request you may have aside from safari itself. Totally recommended for everyone.
DE
Email Basia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional experience
thank you it started in africa for the great time during our safari and mt meru hike. The company workers helped us in everything we required help (also finding out the whereabouts of my lost jacket and after 4 days of calling around, finally getting it back for me, this was very very helpful, for sure impossible on your own). The customer support in arusha, rafael made us feel at home, our safari guide anthony was chilled out and very experienced, the cook mendi definietely the best on the planet. The team on mt meru very great with szaban our guide who had patience for us and a lot of knowledge about the park nature. The cook, minister of food, did a great job too:). So pole pole, and hakuna matata, choose it started in africa for your tour operator, you won't regret it!
Wonderful Safari, Perfect Service! It Started in Africa is THE company to choose
We are extremely happy with our safari and would definitely recommend It Started in Africa! From the trip organization till the very end of the safari, everything has gone very smoothly.
The safari itself has been an incredible and fabulous experience. Our guide Charles definitely contributed to make this trip unforgettable thanks to his professionalism, friendliness and great commitment to show the best of this beautiful nature and wildlife. We were able (and lucky) to see all Big Fives, a Cheetah hunt..etc. So big thanks again to Charles and to It Started in Africa!!
CH
Email Philippe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Ten extraordinary days with the big five
We are very happy with this safari and the organization was perfect. Tom, our guide did his job to our satisfaction. A journey of 10 extraordinary days without any mechanical problem or other. We can only recommend It Started in Africa, reference agency!
IE
Email Carolyn O Malley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience!
As a small group of three, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip & we all agree that it one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had. I have highly recommended 'It Started in Africa' to all of my friends & will continue you to do so. From start to finish, the service provided was excellent, with prompt & efficient email replies to advice & guidance in relation to tour packages. Hendre Francisco lived up to his job title as Happiness Manager & did all in his power to make me happy.
The only negative aspects of the trip were the obvious tourist trap stop offs & unfortunately the Masai Village visit. We felt as though we were being rail roaded into buying over priced souvenirs & paying more than needed for the extras. We did not enjoy the Masai Village we visited as we were told to pay $30 entry & were then pressured to buy overpriced souvenirs before leaving. Considering the cost of the trip in general, we found the extra costs to be unexpected.
On the other hand, we were extremely impressed by the accommodation provided during our trip. We stayed at wonderful lodges & campsites throughout our trip. We were also very happy with Martin, our tour guide. He was very friendly, helpful & accommodating. He happily answered all of our questions & sharwd his knowledge & experience. We were lucky enough to see The Big 5 at the Mara & also experienced the migration of the wildebeest, which was truly amazing. We would like to give a special mention to the Punda Millias lodge where we were upgraded on the final night of our trip ;) We had a wonderful stay there to finish off the fantastic Kenyan experience.
I will continue to recommend It Started in Africa to everyone I know & hopefully they will get to experience a Kenyan safari like we did.